@WAR'S TOP 20 FILMS OF 2008

    Well, it is that time of the year again. Everybody who likes movies, sits down and think about what were the top films in their opinion. Well, I guess I do that at least...

20. 
    If you know me, then you are probably a little confused on this movie being on my list. I will say, while this film didn't blow me away. I will have to say that it was a good all around film, but the story was very lacking. While it is still strange to see it on the list. I would have to say that it was aiming for my number one spot. So, this film ending up at the bottom of my top list seems like a disappointment to me. I have met people who think it shouldn't be here at all, but I would disagree. 2008 was an amazing year for films. However, most of the films that came out where enjoyable, but lackluster in quality. These period pieces are always such an exiting thing to watch. You can actually get lost in past world. It is beautiful, yet threatening at the same time.

19.
      I have seen people put this movie on there worst films list. I feel like it just doesn't deserve to be there. In all fairness, it was a very enjoyable film. It is true that the story is weak, but in my opinion the story isn't what mattered in this movie. It was more the feeling that it brought upon the audience. The music being a big part within the whole movie. I'm sure that if you saw it, more then likely, you found it at least a little entertaining. I'm sorry for anybody who hated this movie for any reason. To me, it gave you everything it promised in the advertisements.

18. 
    Another Kat Dennings film on my list. Better yet, the one right after the last. She has caught my attention, along with Robert Downey Jr. Anyway, this film's plot had intrigued me from the moment I heard about it. Kinda sad that I didn't get a chance to see the film, until it came out of DVD. Either way, I still got to see it, and I loved ever minute of it. If you haven't yet seen the film. I would tell you to check it out. The plot is familiar, and laugh out loud funny. The acting is very notable, and it doesn't overstay its welcome like some most of the comedies of this past year. I'm sure you will find to be one of your favorite films of the year.

17. 
    I re watched this film last night. I'm very happy with it being on the list. It's story is very powerful (maybe done a little to fast, but still very powerful.) I was fist drawn to this film, because I'm a Ryan Reynold's fan. Then I learned that Stuart Townsend was his co-star. It was at this point that I had to see this movie. While I think this movie was probably done a little to fast to cut down on running time (The story seemed to want to come to a conclusion. However, better for a movie to be a little short then to let it get wildly out of hand.) The acting was, as I thought, very well done.

16.

    This film was wildly original. I still remember the crazy amount of Internet buzz that this film was getting. Along with the wacky trailer that debuted late 2007. I remember think to myself, "I wonder what it is?" Of course, everybody with a brain was thinking that same question, and I was nothing special. Yet, when the film came out, it was enough to get me in the theater seats opening night. (While I wasn't very impressed with the way the movie ended. I couldn't possibly say that it wasn't original.) Over the months, I have re watched this film, and each time I find it more and more appealing. For sure, one of the better horror/suspense films of the last few years. I would hope they would make a sequel, but that doesn't seem like it will happen any time soon.

15. 

    There is something strange about this film. While I never thought it would make it to my top list (I'm not a fan of the Coen Brothers. I find their work to be lackluster and down right annoying. Yet, you can't argue with a best picture win.) I was really surprised by this film. It was allot funnier then I expected. Yet, the ending was just as lacking as most Coen Brother's films. I guess the general audience has stopped caring whether or not there is a logical ending to a film or not. Why else would there be so many spoof movie, if we did? Despite it's ending, this film still performed and made me laugh. It was easy to see that they wanted to do something fun and new. Yet, they just ended up with something wacky and strange. Very nicely done!

14.   

    Choke was a novel by the same guy who wrote Fight Club. While this wouldn't have been much of a big deal. They couldn't help but to use it as their main marketing tool. The movie didn't perform as well as Fight Club did. Yet, it was at the same level as strange and intoxicating. The story takes the same theme as Fight Club, but replaces the fighting with original sex jokes. The acting was better then most films in this genre, and is worth noting. While this film isn't for everyone. The people who loved Fight Club, should love this film just as much. Although it is hard to beat Fight Club.

13. 

    Easily one of the most depressing films of the year.  One of those films that makes an effort to show you the good and bad sides of mankind. The ups and downs of family life, motherhood/fatherhood, divorce, young love, cheating, and love. It is truly a gripping story. While movies like this never end on a good note. In the end, the whole outcome is cinema gold. If you can stand depressing stories and enjoy a well acted movie. Then you should pick up Snow Angels.

12.   

    Hands down one of the funniest movies of 2008. However, it really isn't up on this list just for its comedic humor. It is really on this list, because it is the best all around comedy of the year. I was very surprised to learn just how amazing this story actually was. I wasn't looking forward to it, so I skipped it when it was in theaters. Word of mouth is really the only reason I actually ended up seeing it. I have to say I was very impressed with what I actually got in return.

11.  

    Another film I wasn't ever excited to go see. I was actually forced into seeing this one by my friend Fiona. I was sure that it was going to be entertaining, but overall bad. (Simply because that is how Dr. Sues films work.) I was surprised to find that this film was actually extremely entertaining. The voice acting between Steve Carrel and Jim Carrey was very well done (made the movie in my opinion. They seem to work very well together. Do I have to remind anybody of Bruce Almighty.) If you haven't yet seen this film. I would highly recommend it.

10.

    Kung Fu Panda was Dreamworks best effort since the original Shrek movie. The only bad news is that they have announced the sequel. Seeing how they have ruined the Shrek series. It is hard to put my trust in them, to produce a good franchise. (Madagascar is good, but neither film were breath taking.) In my opinion, Kung Fu Panda is a perfect stand alone film. I find it sad that they would have to make another. However, I will go see it, because I tend to like sequel. We will have to wait and see if the story can go any further then it already has. It is still ever possible that the story can move on and become even better. That just gets harder and harder every time you make a sequel.

9.

    Possible the most breath taking action film since the original Matrix movie. Wanted spotted an extreme plot around extreme actors and special effects. One of the best things about this film was the way they combined a dark gloomy world with philosophical futuristic music. It made the whole feeling of the film seem a little more extreme, and threatening. The thought of the world this film takes place in is every amazing. I place were regular people can be superheros who fight for good or evil. Where you can relate to even the bad guy. This film is exactly what the summer movie crowd needed.

8.  

    Easily on this list as one of the best films of the year. Yet, you most take the point that this film isn't anywhere close to the amount of hype it got. While it was worth a midnight showing. It isn't worth a best picture nomination. In my opinion, what this film brought in profit, it more then made up for in annoying running time and a slow moving plot. Given this film actually was the only good multiple villain comic book movie. The simple fact is that in the end, it just didn't need the two of them. Yes it helped describe where they want to go, but Nolan!! It is called and editing room, please use it next time!!

7.  

    One of the last films that I saw this year, but easily one of its very best. While the story is a bit lacking at times, the acting and the humor make this film a very enjoyable ride. Frank Langella (while not, in my opinion, the best Nixon to ever grace the silver screen) deserves at least an Oscar nomination for his perform ace. On that note, Michael Sheen could actually end up getting one, if they play their cards right. 

6.  

    Sadly, I thought this film would get a higher ranking. Although, its placing probably throws off my credibility level within the world of movie criticism. However, a Saw film has come out every year for the last five year. It has become a tradition to go to the local cinema, and see the newest update. Along with that, I am completely involved with the developing story. I can't help but give these films a little recognition. Its not like most people do. I just want to give them credit for taking a genre, that doesn't have good franchise stories, and give it a better story then most of the biggest franchises of our time.

5.  

    I don't care what you think...I think that Iron Man was by far the best comic book movie of the year. I will even go as far as saying that it is the best ever. Robert Downey Jr. played the perfect Tony Stark. The story, acting, directing, and cast were all very enjoyable. This film took not just me, but everybody, by storm. I was never expecting it to be as good as it ended up being.

4.  

    I have alway been a fan of Clint Eastwood. I think he is an amazingly talented person. However, when you go see his movies, you may need a little time to recover after words. He has a way of creating depressing films. Yet, in a way they remind me of how mankind really is. This films are what make the who film industry seems like they are trying. It is better then that mindless bull that they release every year. When in fact, you may need that mindless bull after watching a film like this. Either way, it is still an great film.

3.  

    There was something about this film. While it was to long for its own good. It is one of those films that just makes you think. Brad Pitt and F. Scott Fitzgerald make a very good pair for cult classics. (Se7en, Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) There seems to be this understanding, that says everything these two work together on will be great. However, that is far from being truthful. I myself began to find this film dragging at some points. Yet, it was forgivable at the end. I can't wait to see were the future takes this film.

2.    

    The second to last film I saw before 2008 ended. While it was one of my last, I feel like it was one of the best. Its plot was full of life, and not greedy in its running time. The acting was top notch, and Oscar award winning worthy. The cinematography was breath taking, and beautiful. I'm sure this film isn't for everybody, but if you are interested. I would say you should go see it.

1. 

    No question the best film of 2008. (In fact, I just purchased this DVD yesterday. I'm very happy about it.) Pixar has had some outstanding films in the past, but Wall-E makes all of them seem a little worse. Both in story and quality. I have yet to hear if Disney has receive the Best Picture Nomination, but I really hope they do. In all fairness, this movie at least deserves to be nominated for Best Picture, and not just Best Animated Picture. (I'm not sure why they made that cop out award. I think they should just give credit were credit is due.)